I am going away from your city, but I leave my heart with you. My
spirit will be here; I will not forget you. I ask confirmation for you
from the Kingdom of Bahá'u'lláh. I pray that you may advance
continually in spiritual susceptibilities, that day by day you may
grow more radiant and draw nearer to God until you become instrumental
in illumining the world of humanity. May these confirmations
of the Kingdom of God encompass you. This is my hope, my
prayer.

2

In the estimation of historians this radiant century is equivalent
to one hundred centuries of the past. If comparison be made with
the sum total of all former human achievements, it will be found
that the discoveries, scientific advancement and material civilization
of this present century have equaled, yea far exceeded the
progress and outcome of one hundred former centuries. The production
of books and compilations of literature alone bears witness
that the output of the human mind in this century has been greater
and more enlightening than all the past centuries together. It is evident,
therefore, that this century is of paramount importance. Reflect
upon the miracles of accomplishment which have already characterized
it: the discoveries in every realm of human research. Inventions,
scientific knowledge, ethical reforms and regulations established
for the welfare of humanity, mysteries of nature explored,
invisible forces brought into visibility and subjection--a veritable
wonder-world of new phenomena and conditions heretofore unknown
to man now open to his uses and further investigation. The
East and West can communicate instantly. A human being can soar
in the skies or speed in submarine depths. The power of steam has
linked the continents. Trains cross the deserts and pierce the barriers
of mountains; ships find unerring pathways upon the trackless
oceans. Day by day discoveries are increasing. What a wonderful
century this is! It is an age of universal reformation. Laws and statutes
of civil and federal governments are in process of change
and transformation. Sciences and arts are being molded anew.
Thoughts are metamorphosed. The foundations of human society
are changing and strengthening. Today sciences of the past are
useless. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy and numberless other
systems and theories of scientific and philosophical explanation are
discarded, known to be false and worthless. Ethical precedents and
principles cannot be applied to the needs of the modern world.
Thoughts and theories of past ages are fruitless now. Thrones and
governments are crumbling and falling. All conditions and requisites
of the past unfitted and inadequate for the present time are undergoing
radical reform. It is evident, therefore, that counterfeit
and spurious religious teaching, antiquated forms of belief and ancestral
imitations which are at variance with the foundations of divine
reality must also pass away and be reformed. They must be
abandoned and new conditions be recognized. The morals of humanity
must undergo change. New remedies and solutions for
human problems must be adopted. Human intellects themselves
must change and be subject to the universal reformation. Just as the
thoughts and hypotheses of past ages are fruitless today, likewise
dogmas and codes of human invention are obsolete and barren of
product in religion. Nay, it is true that they are the cause of enmity
and conducive to strife in the world of humanity; war and bloodshed
proceed from them, and the oneness of mankind finds no recognition
in their observance. Therefore, it is our duty in this radiant
century to investigate the essentials of divine religion, seek
the realities underlying the oneness of the world of humanity and
discover the source of fellowship and agreement which will unite
mankind in the heavenly bond of love. This unity is the radiance
of eternity, the divine spirituality, the effulgence of God and the
bounty of the Kingdom. We must investigate the divine source of
these heavenly bestowals and adhere unto them steadfastly. For if
we remain fettered and restricted by human inventions and dogmas,
day by day the world of mankind will be degraded, day by
day warfare and strife will increase and satanic forces converge
toward the destruction of the human race.

3

If love and agreement are manifest in a single family, that family
will advance, become illumined and spiritual; but if enmity and
hatred exist within it, destruction and dispersion are inevitable.
This is, likewise, true of a city. If those who dwell within it manifest
a spirit of accord and fellowship, it will progress steadily and
human conditions become brighter, whereas through enmity and
strife it will be degraded and its inhabitants scattered. In the same
way, the people of a nation develop and advance toward civilization
and enlightenment through love and accord and are disintegrated
by war and strife. Finally, this is true of humanity itself in the
aggregate. When love is realized and the ideal spiritual bonds unite
the hearts of men, the whole human race will be uplifted, the world
will continually grow more spiritual and radiant and the happiness
and tranquillity of mankind be immeasurably increased. Warfare
and strife will be uprooted, disagreement and dissension pass away
and universal peace unite the nations and peoples of the world. All
mankind will dwell together as one family, blend as the waves of
one sea, shine as stars of one firmament and appear as fruits of the
same tree. This is the happiness and felicity of humankind. This is
the illumination of man, the eternal glory and everlasting life; this
is the divine bestowal. I desire this station for you, and I pray God
that the people of America may achieve this great end in order that
the virtue of this democracy may be ensured and their names be
glorified eternally. May the confirmations of God uphold them in
all things and their memories become revered throughout the East
and the West. May they become the servants of the Most High
God, near and dear to Him in the oneness of the heavenly Kingdom.

4

Bahá'u'lláh endured ordeals and hardships sixty years. There
was no persecution, vicissitude or suffering He did not experience
at the hand of His enemies and oppressors. All the days of His life
were passed in difficulty and tribulation--at one time in prison,
another in exile, sometimes in chains. He willingly endured these
difficulties for the unity of mankind, praying that the world of humanity
might realize the radiance of God, the oneness of humankind
become a reality, strife and warfare cease and peace and tranquillity
be realized by all. In prison He hoisted the banner of human
solidarity, proclaiming universal peace, writing to the kings and
rulers of nations, summoning them to international unity and counseling
arbitration. His life was a vortex of persecution and difficulty;
yet catastrophes, extreme ordeals and vicissitudes did
not hinder the accomplishment of His work and mission. Nay, on
the contrary, His power became greater and greater, His efficiency
and influence spread and increased until His glorious light shone
throughout the Orient, love and unity were established, and the
differing religions found a center of contact and reconciliation.

5

Therefore, we also must strive in this pathway of love and service,
sacrificing life and possessions, passing our days in devotion,
consecrating our efforts wholly to the Cause of God so that, God
willing, the ensign of universal religion may be uplifted in the
world of mankind and the oneness of the world of humanity be established.

6

In your hearts I have beheld the reflection of a great and wonderful
love. The Americans have shown me uniform kindness, and
I entertain a deep spiritual love for them. I am pleased with the
susceptibilities of your hearts. I will pray for you, asking divine
assistance, and then say farewell.

7

O my God! O my God! Verily, these servants are turning to
Thee, supplicating Thy kingdom of mercy. Verily, they are attracted
by Thy holiness and set aglow with the fire of Thy love,
seeking confirmation from Thy wondrous kingdom, and hoping
for attainment in Thy heavenly realm. Verily, they long for the descent
of Thy bestowal, desiring illumination from the Sun of Reality.
O Lord! Make them radiant lamps, merciful signs, fruitful
trees and shining stars. May they come forth in Thy service and be
connected with Thee by the bonds and ties of Thy love, longing for
the lights of Thy favor. O Lord! Make them signs of guidance,
standards of Thine immortal kingdom, waves of the sea of Thy
mercy, mirrors of the light of Thy majesty.